Speaking to Get Surrey after the fire, Mr Laker said: “I found out that the barn was on fire when a friend rang me and told me. I arrived at the farm and the fire engines were already there, fighting the fire.

“I am very upset by the whole thing. The police have told me that it may have been deliberate and that they have arrested a kid, but I don’t know much else about it.

“Seeing all that hard work going up in smoke isn’t great, but the hay was insured and I am currently negotiating with the insurance company so that I can claim the money back and replace the hay.”

Mr Laker, 51, has been a farmer at Folly Lane since 1986, and uses the hay to feed cattle during the winter months.

A 10-year-old boy was arrested and bailed on suspicion of arson in connection with the "suspicious" incident, and another 10-year-old was questioned by police. Officers continue to investigate the cause of the fire.